| Place | North & Central America: United States of America |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL25146.006 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Bronze; Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United States of America |
| Date made | 1939-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
United States Silver Star
Description
United States Silver Star. A gilded five pointed star with the obverse centre, a wreath surrounding a silver star radiating towards the wreath. The reverse is plain but has at the top the inscription 'FOR/GALLANTRY IN ACTION'. The square suspension loop is fixed to the top of the star. The ribbon has a white/red/white centre with blue edges that has a central thin white stripe. A brooch bar is sewn to the reverse of the ribbon. A separate ribbon brooch is with this medal.
History / Summary
The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry not justifying the award of one of the next higher valour awards – the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross. The gallantry displayed must have taken place while in action against an enemy of the United States, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.